Devices and methods for minimally invasive repair of heart valves

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for heart valve repair utilize a heart valve repair device including a generally annular ring-like structure and a net structure. The ring-like structure is seated in the valve annulus with the net structure extending from the ring-like structure through the coaptation zone between leaflets. The net structure can then be anchored to a heart structure with a suture. Net structure extending between leaflets helps prevent prolapse of leaflets and can aid in coaptation.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/428,048 filed Dec. 29, 2010, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to minimally invasive repair of a heart valve. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices for insertion into a heart valve to repair the heart valve in a beating heart of a patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of surgical procedures are currently performed to investigate, diagnose, and treat diseases of the heart and the great vessels of the thorax. Such procedures include repair and replacement of mitral, aortic, and other heart valves, repair of atrial and ventricular septal defects, pulmonary thrombectomy, treatment of aneurysms, electrophysiological mapping and ablation of the myocardium, and other procedures in which interventional devices are introduced into the interior of the heart or a great vessel.

Using current techniques, many of these procedures require a gross thoracotomy, usually in the form of a median sternotomy, to gain access into the patient's thoracic cavity. A saw or other cutting instrument is used to cut the sternum longitudinally, allowing two opposing halves of the anterior or ventral portion of the rib cage to be spread apart. A large opening into the thoracic cavity is thus created, through which the surgical team may directly visualize and operate upon the heart and other thoracic contents.

Surgical intervention within the heart generally requires isolation of the heart and coronary blood vessels from the remainder of the arterial system, and arrest of cardiac function. Usually, the heart is isolated from the arterial system by introducing an external aortic cross-clamp through a sternotomy and applying it to the aorta between the brachiocephalic artery and the coronary ostia. Cardioplegic fluid is then injected into the coronary arteries, either directly into the coronary ostia or through a puncture in the aortic root, so as to arrest cardiac function. In some cases, cardioplegic fluid is injected into the coronary sinus for retrograde perfusion of the myocardium. The patient is placed on cardiopulmonary bypass to maintain peripheral circulation of oxygenated blood.

Of particular interest are intracardiac procedures for surgical treatment of heart valves, especially the mitral and aortic valves. According to recent estimates, more than 79,000 patients are diagnosed with aortic and mitral valve disease in U.S. hospitals each year. More than 49,000 mitral valve or aortic valve replacement procedures are performed annually in the U.S., along with a significant number of heart valve repair procedures.

Various surgical techniques may be used to repair a diseased or damaged valve, including annuloplasty (contracting the valve annulus), quadrangular resection (narrowing the valve leaflets), commissurotomy (cutting the valve commissures to separate the valve leaflets), shortening mitral or tricuspid valve chordae tendonae, reattachment of severed mitral or tricuspid valve chordae tendonae or papillary muscle tissue, and decalcification of valve and annulus tissue. Alternatively, the valve may be replaced by excising the valve leaflets of the natural valve and securing a replacement valve in the valve position, usually by suturing the replacement valve to the natural valve annulus. Various types of replacement valves are in current use, including mechanical and biological prostheses, homografts, and allografts.

The mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart, is most easily reached through the wall of the left atrium, which normally resides on the posterior side of the heart, opposite the side of the heart that is exposed by a median sternotomy. Therefore, to access the mitral valve via a sternotomy, the heart is rotated to bring the left atrium into a position accessible through the sternotomy. An opening, or atriotomy, is then made in the left atrium, anterior to the right pulmonary veins. The atriotomy is retracted by means of sutures or a retraction device, exposing the mitral valve directly posterior to the atriotomy. One of the aforementioned techniques may then be used to repair or replace the valve.

An alternative technique for mitral valve access may be used when a median sternotomy and/or rotational manipulation of the heart are/is undesirable. In this technique, a large incision is made in the right lateral side of the chest, usually in the region of the fifth intercostal space. One or more ribs may be removed from the patient, and other ribs near the incision are retracted outward to create a large opening onto the thoracic cavity. The left atrium is then exposed on the posterior side of the heart, and an atriotomy is formed in the wall of the left atrium, through which the mitral valve may be accessed for repair or replacement.

The mitral and tricuspid valves inside the human heart include an orifice (annulus), two (for the mitral) or three (for the tricuspid) leaflets and a subvalvular apparatus. The subvalvular apparatus includes multiple chordae tendineae, which connect the mobile valve leaflets to muscular structures (papillary muscles) inside the ventricles. Rupture or elongation of the chordae tendineae result in partial or generalized leaflet prolapse, which causes mitral (or tricuspid) valve regurgitation. A commonly used technique to surgically correct mitral valve regurgitation is the implantation of artificial chordae (usually 4-0 or 5-0 Gore-Tex sutures) between the prolapsing segment of the valve and the papillary muscle. This operation is generally carried out through a median sternotomy and requires cardiopulmonary bypass with aortic cross-clamp and cardioplegic arrest of the heart.

Using such open-chest techniques, the large opening provided by a median sternotomy or right thoracotomy enables the surgeon to see the mitral valve directly through the left atriotomy, and to position his or her hands within the thoracic cavity in close proximity to the exterior of the heart for manipulation of surgical instruments, removal of excised tissue, and/or introduction of a replacement valve through the atriotomy for attachment within the heart. However, these invasive open-chest procedures produce a high degree of trauma, a significant risk of complications, an extended hospital stay, and a painful recovery period for the patient. Moreover, while heart valve surgery produces beneficial results for many patients, numerous others who might benefit from such surgery are unable or unwilling to undergo the trauma and risks of current techniques.

One alternative to open heart surgery is a robotically guided, thoracoscopically assisted cardiotomy procedure marketed under the tradename of the DaVinci® system. Instead of requiring a sternotomy, the DaVinci® system uses a minimally invasive approach guided by camera visualization and robotic techniques. Unfortunately, the DaVinci® system is not approved for mitral valve repair procedures on a beating heart. Thus, the use of the DaVinci® system for mitral valve repair still requires a cardiopulmonary bypass with aortic cross-clamp and cardioplegic arrest of the heart.

While there are other laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical techniques and tools that have been developed, most of these devices are not useable for the unique requirements of mitral valve repair on a beating heart. Suturing devices like the Superstich™ vascular suturing device or the Gore® suture passer are designed to permit manual placement of sutures as part of a surgical procedure, but are not designed for use on a beating heart. While certain annuloplasty techniques and instruments that can suture an annuloplasty ring as part of vascular repair or heart bypass surgery may be used in conjunction with a beating heart, these annuloplasty procedures do not involve the capture or retention of a constantly moving leaflet. Consequently, the design and use of annuloplasty techniques and instruments are of little help in solving the problems of developing instruments and techniques for minimally invasive thoracoscopic repair of heart valves.

Recently, a technique has been developed for minimally invasive thoracoscopic repair of heart valves while the heart is still beating. PCT Pub. No. WO 2006/078694 A2 to Speziali discloses a thoracoscopic heart valve repair method and apparatus. Instead of requiring open heart surgery on a stopped heart, the thorascopic heart valve repair methods and apparatus taught by Speziali utilize fiber optic technology in conjunction with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as a visualization technique during a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be utilized on a beating heart. U.S. Publication No. 2008/0228223 to Alkhatib also discloses a similar apparatus for attaching a prosthetic tether between a leaflet of a patient's heart valve and another portion of the patient's heart to help prevent prolapse of the leaflet and/or to otherwise improve leaflet function.

More recent versions of these techniques are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009/0105751 and 2009/0105729 to Zentgraf, which disclose an integrated device that can enter the heart chamber, navigate to the leaflet, capture the leaflet, confirm proper capture, and deliver a suture as part of a mitral valve regurgitation (MR) repair.

While the Speziali and Zentgraf techniques represent a significant advance over open heart techniques and previous minimally invasive techniques for heart valve repair, it would be advantageous to further improve upon these techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Methods and apparatus for heart valve repair utilize a heart valve repair device including a generally annular ring-like structure and a net structure. The ring-like structure is seated in the valve annulus with the net structure extending from the ring-like structure through the coaptation zone between leaflets. The net structure can then be anchored to a heart structure with a suture. Net structure extending between leaflets helps prevent prolapse of leaflets and can aid in coaptation.

A method of repairing a heart valve includes seating a generally annular, ring-like structure in the valve annulus above the valve leaflets. A net structure attached to the ring-like structure is extended through the coaptation zone defined between the leaflets. The net structure can be anchored to a heart structure with at least one suture.

A system for use in repairing a heart valve includes a generally annular ring-like structure, a net structure and at least one suture. The ring-like structure is dimensioned to be seated in the annulus of the valve above a pair of leaflets in the valve. The net structure is attached to the ring-like structure such that it extends through the coaptation zone between the valve leaflets when the ring-like structure is seated in the annulus. The at least one suture can extend from the net structure to anchor the net structure to another heart structure.

In another embodiment, a heart valve repair device comprises a wire form. Wire form can be comprised of a plurality of wire loops and can be deployed around a leaflet to provide a structurally supportive scaffold. Wire form can clip or clamp to both sides of the leaflet and be secured by either compression from the wire or with alternative fasteners such as a suture. Wire form can have a rigid, pre-formed shape designed to prevent prolapse.

In a further embodiment a repair device comprises one or more annular rings. Rings can be deployed around leaflets providing a physical stop preventing prolapse. Rings can clip or clamp to both sides of the leaflet. Top ring and bottom ring can be independently attached to the leaflets or connected to each other through the leaflets or coaptation zone. In one embodiment, a ring can include spokes to provide further physical barrier against prolapse.

In another embodiment, a repair device can comprise a leaflet extension comprising a pliable material shaped to conform to valve anatomy. Sutures can be used to secure a leaflet extension to a leaflet. Leaflet extension can overlap the orifice between the leaflets such that when the valve closes, the extension completes closure by overlapping any prolapsing areas of the valve.

The above summary of the various embodiments of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. This summary represents a simplified overview of certain aspects of the invention to facilitate a basic understanding of the invention and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a partial perspective view of a heart valve repair device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a partial side view of the heart valve repair device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a partial perspective view of a heart valve repair device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a partial side view of the heart valve repair device of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a partial perspective view of a heart valve repair device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a partial side view of the heart valve repair device of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a heart valve repair device being implanted in a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a heart valve repair device being implanted in a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a heart valve repair device implanted in a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a heart valve repair device implanted in a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a schematic representation of a heart valve repair device implanted in a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a schematic representation of the heart valve repair device of FIG. 8A implanted in a patient.

FIG. 9A is a schematic representation of a heart valve repair device implanted in a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a schematic representation of the heart valve repair device of FIG. 9A implanted in a patient.

FIG. 10A is a schematic representation of a heart valve repair device implanted in a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10B is a schematic representation of the heart valve repair device of FIG. 10A implanted in a patient.

FIG. 11A is a schematic representation of a heart valve repair device implanted in a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a schematic representation of the heart valve repair device of FIG. 11A implanted in a patient.

FIG. 12A is a schematic representation of a heart valve repair device implanted in a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12B is a schematic representation of the heart valve repair device of FIG. 12A implanted in a patient.

FIG. 13A is a schematic representation of a heart valve repair device implanted in a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a schematic representation of a heart valve repair device implanted in a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14A is a schematic representation of a heart valve repair device implanted in a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a schematic representation of the heart valve repair device of FIG. 14A implanted in a patient.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a heart valve repair device implanted in a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a heart valve repair device implanted in a patient according to an embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

Valve repair devices 100 according to various embodiments of the present invention are depicted in FIGS. 1A-3C. Repair devices 100 can be implanted above a heart valve in the valve annulus to help prevent prolapse of the valve leaflets. Repair devices 100 can generally include an annular ring 102 and an attachment structure 104 that extends through the valve and is anchored to a heart structure. In one embodiment, the valve to be repaired is the mitral valve. In other embodiments, other valves can be repaired, such as the tricuspid or aortic valves. In an alternative embodiment, a replacement valve can be mounted on the ring 102 for valve replacement.

FIGS. 1A-1B depict an annular ring 102 configured as a wire form connected with a radiopaque crimp tube 106. Ring 102 can be formed of a bare metal structure, such as, for example, nitinol or stainless steel. Alternatively, ring 102 can be comprised of a metal or polymer body covered with a fabric material, such as, for example, Teflon or Dacron. In a further embodiment, ring 102 can be formed of a metal backbone with a polymer cover or coating.

Annular ring 102 in FIGS. 2A-2B is a wire form comprising an expanded stent-like structure that can be formed from a round, rectangular or laser-cut tube segment. Such a configuration can enhance anchoring of the ring 102 in the annulus due to an outward spring force provided by the structure. Ring 102 can also be formed of a wave-like structure to allow for easier folding for delivery and repositioning. FIGS. 3A-3B include an annular ring 102 made from a coil held together with a crimp tube 106. Ring can include an outer coil structure 110 around a core wire 112, which improves the collapsed profile of the ring and lessens the pressure erosion profile. In one embodiment, coil is comprised of nitinol.

Annular ring 102 can be a full ring (e.g., 360 degrees) or a partial ring, such as, for example, a generally C-shaped ring. In some embodiments, ring 102 can have a flat, planar profile. In other embodiments, ring 102 can have a saddle-like configuration. In one embodiment, ring 102 is secured in the annulus by hooks 116 (see FIG. 4) that extend from the ring 102 and into the annulus. In another embodiment, the ring 102 is secured in the annulus via an outwardly extending spring force generated by the mechanical properties of the ring 102. Ring 102 can function to reshape the annulus for better physiologic performance via the spring force. In one embodiment, the ring (or a separate spring) can be deployed to spread apart the commisures of the valve, which makes the annular shape more oblong to bring the leaflets closer together, thereby increasing coaption. In some embodiments, the ring 102 can be under sized to encourage diameter reduction of the valve. The shape of the ring 102 can also be optimized for retrieval by providing an easily foldable structure. Such a structure can be retrieved back into a delivery catheter to allow for repositioning. In one embodiment, a ring 102 having a generally C-shaped configuration can have eyelets 117 on each end to which tethers 118 (FIG. 4) are attached to aid in retraction and repositioning.

In one embodiment, ring 102 can include features to enhance visualization under non-invasive imaging, such as, for example, Echo. Ring 102 can include Echo markers to aid in initial deployment and adjustment of the system. Alternatively, ring 102 can include sensors, such as, for example, a magnetic sensor that operates with a guidance system to aid in deployment and adjustment of the system.

Attachment structure can extend through the coaptation zone and function to connect the ring to a structure in the heart, such as the apex of the heart, or as an attachment point for anchoring the system to the heart. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-3C, the attachment structure 104 can comprise a plurality of sutures 108 or neochords. Sutures 108 can extend from the ring 102 through the coaptation zone of the valve leaflets and be anchored to a heart structure, such as the heart wall or papillary muscle. Multiple chords can be joined together at a natural attachment position. In another embodiment, chords extend independently from the ring to the apex or other anchor location and can therefore be individually adjusted (vector spacing). In one embodiment, the sutures/chords can be tensioned to close the circumference of the valve annulus.

The attachment structure 104 can also comprise a net or a mesh or fabric structure. Net structure 104 can be threaded onto the ring 102 and can extend fully or partially (see FIG. 7) around the ring 102. In one embodiment, the ring can carry a plurality of partial net segments. Full, partial and/or multiple net structures can be adjustable around the ring. A net structure or segment comprises a plurality of individual fabric elements, such as sutures, that interconnect at regular or irregular intervals to define a lattice-like configuration. A minimum configuration to define a “net” can be thought of as an “A” shaped structure. In one embodiment, net structure can have a generally open configuration having a greater amount of open area than fabric area. In some embodiments, similar to vascular stents, the cross-member design of the net may employ designs to improve durability, adjustability to valve leaflets or for improved anchoring.

Net or mesh-like attachment structure can have variable density within the structure to provide distinct regions directed to support, flexibility, and/or tissue response characteristics. The pattern could also contain variable porosity to provide variable support as needed for the valve structure. In one embodiment, the attachment structure can be fabricated from a thin polymer sheet such as polyurethane and laser cut to form a hole pattern ranging from a generally net-like porosity to a fine mesh-like hole pattern similar to the filter membrane of a distal protection guide wire. In a further embodiment, the attachment structure can include structural supports such as metal or plastic backbone elements incorporated into a net or mesh structure. The attachment structure can also comprise a combination of any of the above configurations.

The attachment structure can be coated with or comprise biomatrix material suitable for either tissue in-growth or non-ingrowth or a combination thereof (different sections promoting in-growth or no growth depending on location). In such an embodiment, drugs can be incorporated to enhance in-growth or non-ingrowth. Areas of denser net/mesh material and/or that have biomatrix material can be located in the coaptation zone of two leaflets (or more in some cases) to enhance resistance to prolapse in this region by increasing the native valve surface area for coaptation. Biomatrix material can be integrated into the attachment structure or can be separately inserted between attachment structures.

Net-like attachment structure 104 can extend from the ring 102 situated at the valve annulus through the coaptation zone between two valve leaflets. In one embodiment, the net structure 104 can then be anchored with one or more sutures. Sutures can anchor the net structure 104 to, for example, the heart apex, papillary muscles, or other locations on the heart wall. In another embodiment, the net structure 104 can be anchored directly to a heart structure. In other embodiments, net structure, or other attachment structure, can be secured by any other means, including mechanical, biological or chemical means or a combination thereof. In a further embodiment, net structure 104 is not anchored.

As used herein, a “coaptation zone” of valve leaflets refers to an area where the valve leaflets in a properly functioning valve meet to seal the valve during systole. In one embodiment, the coaptation zone can generally be considered the surface area over which the valve leaflets contact each other. In addition, with reference to the mitral valve, the directions “top” or “above” refer to the atrial side of the valve and the directions “bottom” or “below” refer to the ventricular side of the valve.

Deployment of repair device 100 can be accomplished as shown in FIGS. 4-7 with a delivery catheter 120 having the ring 102 and attachment structure 104 folded within the catheter 120. Folding for the purposes of the present invention refers to compressing the device 100 into a smaller configuration in a random fashion that may be non-uniform, similar to crumpling or wadding up a piece of paper or handkerchief. The catheter 120 is advanced into the heart chamber through a procedure such as that described in commonly owned, copending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/339,865, which is hereby incorporated by reference, and is advanced passed the valve leaflets 124 where it is seated on the valve annulus 122 as shown in FIG. 6. The delivery catheter is then retracted, allowing the ring 102 to expand on the annulus 120. The attachment structure 104 extends through the coaptation zone between the valve leaflets and can be anchored to a heart structure as described above. The presence of the attachment structure in the coaptation zone prevents the valve leaflets from prolapsing. In one embodiment, the ring 102 is deployed with the attachment structure 104 attached to the ring 102. In another embodiment, some or all attachment structure 104 is subsequently attached to the ring 102.

In one embodiment, repair device 100 can be customized for a specific patient. In such a patient-specific embodiment, valve and heart chamber geometry for a patient can be pre-determined using pre-operative imaging. Based on the pre-operative imaging of the patient's valve, a desired ring 102 size and placement and/or quantity and configuration of attachment structure 104 such as net segments can be determined. A desired suture anchoring configuration such as number and location of sutures can also be determined. In one embodiment, the density of a net-like attachment structure 104 can be varied based on the patient's valve pathology. The ring 102, attachment structure 104 and anchoring structure can then be placed in the desired configuration with the aid of non-invasive imaging techniques and/or device-based imaging.

In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the repair device comprises a wire form 110 that is deployed around the leaflet 124 to provide a structurally supportive scaffold. In one embodiment, the wire form 110 is comprised of a plurality of wire loops 112. The wire form 110 can clip or clamp to both sides of the leaflet and be secured by either compression from the wire or with alternative fasteners such as a suture. The wire 110 can be deployed via a deployment catheter or advanced along a preplaced suture in a monorail/guidewire fashion. Wire form 110 can have a rigid, pre-formed shape designed to prevent prolapse. In addition, sutures and/or net or mesh-like attachment structures 104 can be anchored at one end to the leaflet via the wire form 110 and at the opposite end to the heart wall.

In a further embodiment depicted in FIGS. 9A-9B and 10A-10B, the repair device comprises one or more annular rings 102 that are deployed around the leaflet 124 providing a physical stop preventing prolapse. The rings 102 can clip or clamp to both sides of the leaflet 124. In one embodiment the top ring and bottom ring are independently attached to the leaflets. In another embodiment, a connecting mechanism, such as a suture 108, connects the top and bottom rings either through the coaptation zone or through the leaflets. As shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, the ring 102 can include spokes 114 to provide further physical barrier against prolapse. Alternatively, the repair device can comprise a net-like attachment structure 104 that is deployed around the leaflets. Repair device, whether ring 102 or net-like structure 104, can be deployed directly around the leaflets via a deployment catheter 120 as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B or can be advanced along a preplaced suture in a monorail/guidewire fashion.

In certain embodiments, any repair device according to the present invention can be delivered using a suture as a guidewire. A suture can first be delivered into the heart via a deployment catheter and anchored to a valve leaflet. The suture can then be used as a guidewire such that the repair device is advanced along the suture to the leaflet. The suture can subsequently be anchored to another heart structure or removed after the repair device has been delivered.

In another embodiment, independent catheters are utilized to deploy a valve repair device that comprises a helical structure that is deployed retrograde from the heart chamber apex to a position on the opposite side of the valve with the helix fixed at the heart chamber apex. During systolic contraction of the heart and valve closure, the flail segment of any leaflet would be brought into coaptation by the compression of the helical device above the plane of the valve leaflets.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12B, a repair device can comprise a leaflet extension 126. Leaflet extension 126 can comprise a pliable material suitable as an artificial leaflet surrogate, such as, for example, bovine pericardium or CorMatrix ECM, Dacron, Teflon, polyurethane or dura matter and can be shaped to conform to valve anatomy. Sutures 108 can be used to secure a leaflet extension 126 to a leaflet 124. The leaflet extension 126 can be attached adjacent a free edge 128 of one leaflet 124. The leaflet extension 126 overlaps the orifice between the leaflets 124 such that when the valve closes, the extension 126 completes closure by overlapping any prolapsing areas of the valve. Extension 126 can be placed on either the atrial or the ventricular side of the leaflet and extend under or over an adjacent leaflet. Extensions 126 can be attached to the full length of a leaflet 124 or a partial length.

To deploy a leaflet extension 126, the leaflet 124 can be captured and a suture 108 deployed into the leaflet 124 as described in PCT Pub. No. WO 2006/078694 A2 to Speziali and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009/0105751 and 2009/0105729 to Zentgraf, each of which is hereby incorporate by reference, and in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/339,865, previously incorporated herein by reference. The suture 108 can then be passed through the extension 126. A girth hitch knot can then be formed with the suture 108 as shown in FIG. 13A. Extension 126 can also be affixed to the leaflet 124 with multiple sutures 108 such as in FIG. 13B. In one embodiment, extensions 126 can have reinforced areas where the sutures are inserted. Alternatively, the extension can be attached via a non-suture method, such as, for example, clips, a clamp, adhesive or an anchor. In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a leaflet extension 126 can be attached to both leaflets 124 to span the orifice between leaflets. In one embodiment, sutures 108 through extension 126 can be tethered under minimal tension to a tissue structure (e.g. heart apex). Alternatively, extension 126 can be fixed to the leaflet 124 and excess suture 108 can be cut and removed.

In some embodiments, leaflet extension 126 can have reinforced areas 127 for exoskeletal support and/or for suture attachment. In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 15, extension 126 includes a pre-shaped feature 130 that ensures overlap under the adjacent leaflet during valve closure. FIG. 16 depicts extensions 126 having matching preshaped features 132 that ensure coaptation during valve closure. Pre-shaped features can act as an exoskeletal support, shape alteration to better match the contour of the leaflet's leading edge, or better contour to maximize coaptation length. If adhered to the leaflet, the feature can be used as a strength member to reinforce the leaflet or to alter the shape of the valve orifice geometry to better reduce regurgitation. In one embodiment, pre-shaped features can be of a shape memory material such as, for example, nitinol or thermoelastic. In one embodiment, the extension can be drug coated and have drug elution properties to optimize function, adhesion, and/or mitigate clotting risks.

Various embodiments of systems, devices and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, implantation locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the invention. 

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A method of repairing a heart valve in a beating heart of a patient, comprising: minimally invasively accessing an interior of the heart with a suture deployment mechanism, the suture deployment mechanism carrying a suture and a needle; grasping a valve leaflet in the heart with the suture deployment mechanism; inserting the suture through the valve leaflet with the needle by operation of the suture deployment mechanism; withdrawing the suture deployment mechanism and a portion of the suture from the heart after inserting the suture through the valve leaflet such that the suture extends from the valve leaflet out of the heart; advancing a repair device into the heart along the suture with the suture functioning as a guidewire for the repair device; and inserting the portion of the suture into the heart and anchoring the suture to a wall of the heart.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the repair device is a mechanical anchor.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein anchoring the suture to a wall of the heart includes anchoring the suture with the mechanical anchor.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein minimally invasively accessing the interior of the heart with the catheter includes percutaneously accessing the interior of the heart with the catheter.
 24. The method of claim 20, wherein withdrawing the suture deployment mechanism and a portion of the suture from the heart after inserting the suture through the valve leaflet such that the suture extends from the valve leaflet out of the heart includes withdrawing ends of the suture from the heart.
 25. The method of claims 20, wherein withdrawing the suture deployment mechanism and a portion of the suture from the heart after inserting the suture through the valve leaflet such that the suture extends from the valve leaflet out of the heart includes withdrawing a suture loop from the heart.
 26. A method of delivering a repair device into a beating heart of a patient, comprising: minimally invasively accessing an interior of the heart with a suture deployment mechanism, the suture deployment mechanism carrying a suture and a needle; grasping a valve leaflet in the heart with the suture deployment mechanism; inserting the suture through the valve leaflet with the needle by operation of the suture deployment mechanism; withdrawing the suture deployment mechanism and a portion of the suture from the heart after inserting the suture through the valve leaflet such that the suture extends from the valve leaflet out of the heart; advancing a repair device into the heart along the suture with the suture functioning as a guidewire for the repair device.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the repair device is a mechanical anchor.
 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising anchoring the suture to a wall of the heart with the mechanical anchor.
 29. The method of claim 26, wherein minimally invasively accessing the interior of the heart with the catheter includes percutaneously accessing the interior of the heart with the catheter.
 30. The method of claim 26, wherein withdrawing the suture deployment mechanism and a portion of the suture from the heart after inserting the suture through the valve leaflet such that the suture extends from the valve leaflet out of the heart includes withdrawing ends of the suture from the heart.
 31. The method of claims 26, wherein withdrawing the suture deployment mechanism and a portion of the suture from the heart after inserting the suture through the valve leaflet such that the suture extends from the valve leaflet out of the heart includes withdrawing a suture loop from the heart. 